Crunch storm back to sink Rapids

COCHRANE, Ont. – Storming back from a four-goal deficit, the Cochrane Crunch rallied by striking eight straight times to pull out an 8-4 victory over the French River Rapids Saturday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League preseason action in the Polar Bear Classic tournament at Tim Horton Events Centre.

It was all French River in the early going as they snagged a 2-0 cushion after 20 minutes on markers from Ryan Smith and Philippe Daoust.

It was more Rapids early in the middle stanza as they tallied twice before the period was two minutes old on efforts supplied by Levi Siau and Uniam Rich.

Commencing their comeback, Cochrane got going offensively at 4:41 of the second session thanks to Tristan Taillefer.

Trevor Mayappo added another for the Crunch three minutes later before teammate Baldino Aiello brought the home side to within one at 18:33.

Moving on to the third, the Cochrane onslaught continued as Jovani Moses drew the Crunch level at 5:22.

It stayed 4-4 until just over six minutes remaining when Caleb Dolman notched the eventual game-winner.

Still rolling, the Crunch tacked on three more before time expired to finish off the impressive rally as Zach Hayes, Taillefer and Justin Bofshever all found the back of the net.

Hayes, Nicolas Flanders and Ryan Mooney all chipped in with two assists in the triumph for the winners while Hunter Brazier had two helpers for French River.

GAME SHEET